Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a striking concession, pledging to sign a U.S. minerals and security agreement at “any time and in any convenient format”—a change that comes just hours before President Donald Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address. The timing suggests a possible breakthrough announcement before Trump’s speech Tuesday night.
In a social media statement early Tuesday, Zelenskyy struck a markedly different tone, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate and expressing his gratitude for Trump’s past support. “None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” he wrote.
“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.” Zelenskyy also acknowledged the tense meeting at the White House last Friday, where he clashed with Trump and Senator J.D. Vance over continued U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine.
“Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be. It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive,” Zelenskyy added.
The abrupt shift comes after a contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy last week, where Trump’s team signaled frustration with Ukraine’s continued demands for U.S. aid. Zelenskyy, in Washington to secure additional military support, found himself facing tough scrutiny from Trump and Vance, who challenged his approach.
With vast reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, and graphite—resources essential to the technology and defense industries—Ukraine is seeking to leverage these assets as part of a reconstruction effort. The deal, as proposed, would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund, with Ukraine committing half of its future revenues from state-owned natural resources, including minerals, oil, and natural gas. The goal is to attract international investment and bolster long-term economic stability.
With growing skepticism within the Trump administration toward any help to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s pledge to sign the minerals and security deal appears to be a direct response to the pressure applied in that meeting.
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelenskyy Friday, pointing to Ukraine’s reliance on forced conscription due to manpower shortages. “You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
Trump made it clear that he viewed Ukraine’s wartime strategy as flawed, criticizing the country’s handling of the situation. “You’re not in a good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position. Right now, you’re not playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country.”
For Zelenskyy, the move represents a major shift—one that acknowledges Trump’s dominance in shaping the future of U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s war effort.
